If you want to create a cozy, intimate feeling, you need to take into consideration the various components of your room. This is true whether it is an office or a hallway. In a medical institution, creating comfortable and comforting spaces is essential. This is applicable for both the staff and the patients. One way of doing so is by carefully selecting the right type of hospital drapes for the windows.
Essentially, while colors and patterns are in riotous amounts, the types of hospital drapes are less plentiful. In fact, there are only three main types of hospital drapes from which to choose. These are:
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Ripplefold
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Pinch Pleat
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Stationary Panel
Each of these types has its own advantages. It will be up to you to decide which one is more suitable and cost-effective in the particular medical or other facility.
Ripplefold Hospital Drapes
Ripplefold is a specific style of drapery. It name denotes the way the material flows from one end to the other end of the track in a smooth, rippling effect. It is known for its modernity. It provides a contemporary look to any room. Slim and sleek with clean lines, it draws the eye.
Ripplefold drapery uses substantially less fabric than other draperies. This results in less material to clean. It is also popular among hospitals and other institutions because, engineered as a flat panel, it is low maintenance. The lighter weight and style make it easier to take down and put back up again. What makes it even better, is the ability of the fabric, when rehung, to simply fall back into its folds. There is no sagging or tipping. Altogether, its characteristics make a Ripplefold, ideal in many circumstances.
In the case of using this style of fabric for hospital drapes, it is necessary to ensure the material is flame retardant. Furthermore, some facilities require all hospital drapes, no matter where they hang, must be treated with an antimicrobial substance to prevent the spreading of diseases.
Pinch Pleat Hospital Drapes
Pinch pleat hospital drapes are considered to represent the more traditional look common in many hospitals. This is partly arrived at by the employment of a smaller and tighter pleat than in other forms of drapery. The extra fabric may result in the need for more laundry time, they are also not recommend even when they are hard to clean and difficult to install. but the overall look is responsible for providing any room with a class and style that makes up for this.
The colors are as varied as the material – although polyester is favored. Polyester fabric is easy to wash. They can even come in thermal material. A thermal pinch pleat hospital drape can reduce the cost of heating by reducing the amount of warm air that escapes from a room when winter strikes.
As is the case with most hospital drapes, requirements are in place for fire retardant and anti-microbial traits. In many instances, a company can customize the drapes so they will meet these and other prerequisites.
Stationary Panel Hospital Drapes
A stationary panel is exactly that – stationary. It is a panel that is designed not to move. The material may be flexible but it acts like a solid wall between you and the window. Stationary panels can act as blocks to the sunlight. They are also excellent at providing some form of thermal protection. They can block out the wind and prevent warm air from escaping. Sometimes, a stationary panel is integrated into another form of window treatment to achieve a specific look or purpose.
Choosing the right type of hospital drapes for your facility depends upon diverse factors. Among the most common are purpose and cost. Be sure to consult all involved individuals before you decide upon type. In the end, the right decision may be to mix-and–match.
